2014 Top Ten

In 2014, the Washington Poison Center managed 63,728 calls, over 174 calls per day on average.

There were 54,715 human poison exposures, with children younger than six accounting for over 56% of all poison exposure cases. There were over 7,981 information calls.

Almost 81% of poisonings were unintentional. 13.9% were intentional, with suicidal intent suspected in 9% of all cases.

E-cigarette exposure calls peaked in 2014, and made up over 59% of all nicotine-related exposure calls. In children under 6 years, e-cigarettes now account for roughly 31.5% of nicotine exposures. In other age groups, e-cigarettes exposures have surpassed other tobacco products and account for as many as 64 % of exposures.

Marijuana exposure calls also peaked in 2014, with children under 6 years accounting for almost 14% of exposures and teens making up over 25%.

Human exposures with more serious outcomes (moderate, major, or death) accounted for 5.8 % of all exposures in 2014.

76 % of all poison emergency cases reported to WAPC were calls from people’s homes, of these, over 91 % were treated without going to the hospital.

The Washington Poison Center (WAPC) provides immediate, free, and expert treatment advice and assistance on the telephone in case of exposure to poisonous, hazardous, or toxic substances. All calls are confidential.

OUR MISSION: To prevent and reduce harm from poisoning through expertise, collaboration, and education.

Contact Information
155 NE 100th Street
Suite #100
Seattle, WA 98125

Administrative Office: (206) 517-2350

EMERGENCY: (800) 222-1222

TTY users dial 711 for the Washington Relay Service

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